Infection control during hospital construction is non-negotiable. To safeguard patients and staff, healthcare facilities must use reliable ICRA barriers to contain dust and debris effectively. These barriers are critical in areas like operating rooms, ICUs, NICUs, burn units, and sterile processing departments, where safety is a top priority during renovations.
Traditional methods, such as drywall and plastic sheeting, pose significant risks. Fortunately, modern temporary construction walls provide a superior solution, raising the standard for dust control in healthcare facilities and beyond.
ICRA Barriers: Why Compliance Matters
The Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocol is essential for preventing the spread of airborne pathogens during construction in healthcare environments. ICRA guidelines ensure infection risks are minimized, particularly in areas housing vulnerable populations, such as isolation wards and operating rooms.
Traditional dust control methods often fail to meet ICRA standards. Drywall installations create noise and release dust, while plastic sheeting lacks durability and is prone to tearing. Both methods are wasteful and fail to provide the airtight seals required for effective containment.
The Failure of Traditional Dust Control Methods
Dust and airborne contaminants are constant threats in healthcare and commercial environments. For immunocompromised patients, exposure to airborne mold, such as Aspergillus, can result in severe infections.
Drywall and plastic sheeting introduce additional hazards during installation, from debris to noise pollution. Plastic sheeting demands constant upkeep, and drywall setups generate significant waste and disruption. These methods simply cannot provide the safety and reliability needed for sensitive environments.
STARC’s Superior Temporary Walls for ICRA Compliance
STARC’s temporary construction walls redefine infection control, offering a highly effective alternative to traditional methods. Here’s how these systems outshine drywall and plastic sheeting:
- Quiet, Dust-Free Installation: STARC panels enable rapid, debris-free setups. Up to 100 feet of temporary walls can be installed in under an hour, eliminating noise and dust.
- Airtight Containment: Equipped with interlocking tongue-and-groove connections, foam gaskets, and 360-degree seals, these walls create a fully airtight barrier, keeping dust and pathogens securely contained.
- Reusable and Sustainable: Unlike single-use drywall, STARC walls are designed for repeated use over several years. At the end of their lifecycle, the panels are recyclable, offering significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Beyond Healthcare: Dust Barriers for Commercial Spaces
While STARC’s ICRA barriers excel in healthcare settings, they are also ideal for commercial spaces like airports, data centers, and offices.
In airports and data centers, these barriers isolate dust and hazardous materials to protect occupants and critical equipment. In office renovations, STARC temporary walls minimize disruption by blending seamlessly with existing interiors, maintaining a professional appearance.
Takeaway
In settings where infection control and safety are critical, outdated solutions like drywall and plastic sheeting fall short. STARC’s reusable, airtight ICRA barriers and temporary construction walls offer a smarter, more sustainable alternative. They protect sensitive environments, save time, and ensure compliance with the highest standards of infection control.
Ready to safeguard your facility with superior temporary construction walls? Contact us today for a custom consultation.